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The Spaniard established that he was looking at bringing in players who would sync with his football philosophy and acknowledged that finding quality players was a time-consuming process.
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta applauds after the Champions League soccer match between Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates stadium in London, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Premier League side Arsenal ended the winter transfer window without any new signings as head coach Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment in the lack of recruitment. However, the Spaniard established that he was looking at bringing in players who would sync with his football philosophy and acknowledged that finding quality players was a time-consuming process.
“We had a clear intention which is always when a window opens to explore the opportunities to improve our squad. With players with injuries, we’ve been impacted and we haven’t achieved it,” the 42-year-old said.
“We are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that as well,” he added.
Arsenal were linked with a number of promising names including Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins and Mathys Tel, however, nothing materialised, and Arsenal did not have any new incoming players when the window shut. Arteta has been playing Kai Havertz up front while also using academy product Ethan Nwaneri and opined that he has to be flexible with players in that position.
“We are going to have to be flexible in the front line, the ones we have we have to make sure they stay fit and are contributing, can play in that position,” the Gunners gaffer said.
“Raheem Sterling has played in that position, Ethan Nwaneri I think can play in that position, Gabriel Martinelli, so lets see in relation to how everybody is in the moment, the opponent.”
“But at some point, I think we will have to try something different,” Arteta added.
Arsenal are slated to take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup Final with a two-goal deficit following the first leg, but their dominant 5-1 win against PL champions Manchester City will prove to be a shot in the arm as the Gunners go in search of silverware.
“When you compare the emotions of the team after the defeat and today, it’s very different because we come from very strong performances, especially the one against Man City,” the Spaniard said.
“It is a moment full of gas and we’re ready to go for it and approach it in a way where we can reach the final,” he signed off.
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